Food Matters: What Is the GI?

The glycemic index isn’t just for people with diabetes. It’s an important way to help you pick healthier foods.

The glycemic index (GI) is the scientifically proven way to rank carbohydrate foods according to how quickly they can raise your blood sugar level. Upon digestion, foods can have a low, moderate, or high impact on your blood sugar.

You should avoid high GI foods. And it isn’t just white sugar, cookies, cakes, and soda drinks that make your blood sugar go on a roller coaster. Refined starchy foods like white rice and white bread will do it too! Knowledge of the GI can help you make wiser food choices.

Why it’s important

Originally developed as a concept to help people with diabetes, we now know that eating the low–GI way is beneficial for everyone, as it also reduces spikes in your blood insulin level that occur throughout the day after eating.

4. Enjoy mashed cauliflower or thick cooked dhal instead of mashed potato. If you do eat potatoes, cook and cool them the day before. Choose Nicola potatoes or new season varieties, and eat them with their skin.